Global Internet Freedom Declines for the 13th Consecutive Year
The state of global internet freedom continues to decline, marking the 13th consecutive year of regression. According to the “Freedom on the Net” report, China, Myanmar, and Iran have been identified as the countries with the worst conditions out of the 70 nations surveyed. This report also highlights the risks associated with the easy access to generative AI technology.
AI’s Role in Amplifying Digital Repression
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has provided governments with a powerful tool to enhance and refine online censorship. AI has the capability to amplify digital repression, making surveillance, and the creation and spread of disinformation faster, cheaper, and more effective. The annual report published by Freedom House, a US-based democracy watchdog, reveals that AI is being used to supercharge censorship, surveillance, and the creation and spread of disinformation, thereby exacerbating the crisis for human rights online.
The Rise of AI-Generated Content and the Challenge of Misinformation
Experts estimate that AI-generated content could soon dominate 99% or more of all information on the internet. This overwhelming influx of AI-generated content poses a significant challenge to content moderation systems, which are already struggling to keep up with the deluge of misinformation. Governments have been slow to respond, with only a few countries passing legislation to address the ethical use of AI. Furthermore, some countries justify the use of AI-based surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition, on the grounds of security.
Generative AI and the Distortion of Information
The Freedom House report reveals that generative AI-based tools have been employed in at least 16 countries to distort information on political or social issues between June 2022 and May 2023. However, this figure is likely an undercount. Additionally, in 22 countries, social media companies are required to use automated systems for content moderation to comply with censorship rules.
The Battle Between China and the US over AI
The competition between China and the US in the field of AI is intensifying. Experts argue that this is just the beginning of a larger battle. The capabilities of generative AI to spread misinformation on an unprecedented scale have made it a force multiplier in the dissemination of false information. Karen Rebelo, deputy editor at BOOM Live, a fact-checking organization based in Mumbai, states that generative AI offers sophistication and scale in spreading misinformation that was previously unimaginable.
Safeguards and Breaches in AI-Based Chatbots
While companies like OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and internet giant Google have implemented safeguards to reduce overtly harmful uses of their AI-based chatbots, they can still be easily breached. The Freedom House report emphasizes the need for stronger safeguards and better misinformation-detection tools to combat the misuse of AI.
The Impact of Deepfakes on Democracy and Trust
Even if deepfakes are quickly exposed, they have the potential to undermine public trust in democratic processes. Deepfakes can incentivize activists and journalists to self-censor and drown out reliable and independent reporting. In extreme cases, they can galvanize violence against individuals or entire communities.
The Potential Benefits of AI with Proper Regulation
Despite its pitfalls, AI technology can be enormously beneficial if governments regulate its use and enact strong data privacy laws. Additionally, the implementation of better misinformation-detection tools and safeguards for human rights is crucial. When designed and deployed safely and fairly, AI can help people evade authoritarian censorship, counter disinformation, and document human rights abuses. For instance, AI is increasingly being used in fact-checking and analyzing satellite imagery, social media posts, and images to flag human rights abuses in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the rise of AI poses significant challenges to global internet freedom. Governments must take proactive measures to regulate AI, protect human rights, and combat the spread of misinformation. Only through responsible and ethical use of AI can we harness its potential for the greater good.
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